Jackson Free Press

A lively foot-stomping crowd gathers every week to hear author readings and live music in the most unlikely of places: a bookstore. "Thacker Mountain Radio: The Documentary," directed by Mary Warner and Joe York, highlights the history and success of the weekly radio show at Square Books in Oxford that has been on the air for more than a dozen years.

In the film, the show's founders—Caroline Herring, Square Books owner Richard Howorth and Bryan Leford—reflect on the show's quirkier moments and its humble beginnings. In 1997, the show started with a shoestring budget, but its popularity grew with the intimate performances and variety of talented artist that passed through. Now the show is aired live in Oxford and rebroadcast every Saturday night on Mississippi Public Broadcasting.

The film includes clips from performances by pianist Jim Dickinson of the Yalobushwackers, Elvis Costello, former host Tom Arriola, and authors such as Barry Hannah. The film also highlights humorous moments like when Herring had to search the square for an author when one canceled at the last minute before the show went live, or when an author accidently dropped the "F" bomb during a reading.

The light-hearted and humorous documentary tells the story of a collaborative effort between artists while preserving the history of what has become a Mississippi radio staple.

The screening of "Thacker Mountain Radio: A Documentary" is Friday, April 16, at 7 p.m.